How to Wash Workwear: The Ultimate Guide for Long-Lasting Gear

Knowing how to wash workwear properly isn’t just about making it look clean—it’s about keeping it tough, comfortable, and ready for whatever the job throws at you. Whether you’re dealing with mud, oil, grease, or just the daily grime of a hard day’s work, washing your gear the right way helps it last longer, stay protective, and keep you looking professional. But let’s be honest—workwear isn’t like regular clothes, and throwing it in the wash with your weekend t-shirts isn’t going to cut it.

In this guide, we’re covering everything you need to know about keeping your workwear in top condition, from pre-wash prep and stain removal to drying and long-term care. Plus, if you’re in the market for high-quality, durable workwear that’s built to last, CTS has you covered with a full range of customisable options designed to take on the toughest jobs.

Contact us today for a free workwear consultation—our team is here to help you find the best gear for the job.

Understanding Care Labels
Pre-Wash Prep
Tackling Stains
Washing Best Practices
The Do’s and Don’ts of Washing Different Types of Workwear
Drying & Ironing Guide
Final Tips

Understanding Care Labels: Washing Work Clothes at Home

Before you even think about tossing your workwear in the wash, take a moment to check the care label. It might seem like a small detail, but those little symbols and instructions hold the secret to washing work clothes at home without shrinking, fading, or ruining protective coatings. Workwear is designed to handle tough conditions, but that doesn’t mean it can withstand just any wash cycle—different materials and finishes require different treatments.

Care labels give you key information, such as:

• Maximum Wash Temperature – Some fabrics can handle hot water, while others require cold washes to prevent shrinkage or damage.
• Tumble Dry Instructions – Not all workwear is safe for high heat; some items need to be air-dried to maintain their protective features.
• Ironing Guidelines – Certain workwear, like flame-resistant garments, must be ironed at a specific temperature to avoid affecting their protective properties.
• Bleach & Fabric Softener Warnings – These can break down high-performance fabrics, so always check before adding them to the wash.

Ignoring these instructions can lead to workwear losing its durability, fit, or even its safety features. If you’re ever unsure, following a lower temperature wash and avoiding harsh chemicals is usually a safe bet. When in doubt, always follow the label—it’s there for a reason!

Pre-Wash Prep: The First Step to Cleaning Work Clothes

Before you even think about hitting that start button, let’s talk about pre-wash prep. Workwear isn’t like your regular laundry—it’s been through the wringer with mud, grease, paint, and whatever else the job throws at it. Just tossing it straight in the machine? That’s a rookie mistake. Taking a few extra minutes before cleaning work clothes can mean the difference between fresh, long-lasting gear and faded, worn-out workwear.

Here’s how to get your work clothes ready for the wash:

• Shake It Off (Literally) – Mud, dust, and sawdust love to cling to fabric, and the last thing you want is all that grime clogging up your washing machine. Give your clothes a good shake outside or brush them down to get rid of loose dirt.
• Check Those Pockets – If you’ve ever found a rogue screw or a shredded receipt in the bottom of your machine, you know why this step is crucial. Empty out those pockets—pens, nails, tape measures, and random jobsite treasures have no place in your wash cycle.
• Fasten Zips, Buttons & Velcro – Nothing’s worse than a rogue zipper tearing through your work shirt or Velcro sticking to everything it touches. Secure all closures to prevent snags, fraying, and unwanted surprises when the cycle’s done.
• Pre-Treat Stubborn Stains – Oil, grease, ink, and paint don’t go down without a fight. Rub a little stain remover or dish soap onto problem areas and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before washing. Trust us, this makes a huge difference.
• Sort by Fabric & Filth Factor – Throwing heavy-duty overalls in with a hi-vis t-shirt? Not a great idea. Keep heavily soiled workwear separate from lighter fabrics to prevent dirt transfer, and wash delicate high-visibility gear with care.

A little pre-wash prep goes a long way in how to wash workwear properly. Take a few extra minutes now, and your gear will stay fresh, tough, and job-ready for longer.

Tackling Stains: How to Keep Your Workwear Looking Fresh

Workwear doesn’t just pick up the usual everyday stains—it takes on all sorts of tough grime. If you’ve ever pulled your gear out of the wash only to find the stains are still there (or worse, baked in), you know that a standard wash cycle isn’t always enough. The trick? Treat stains the right way before washing to give them the best chance of coming out clean.

Here’s how to tackle the most common workwear stains:

• Oil & Grease – Rub a few drops of dish soap or a degreasing laundry detergent directly onto the stain, let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then wash as usual. For extra-tough stains, sprinkle a little baking soda over the soap to help absorb excess oil before scrubbing.
• Mud & Dirt – Let mud dry completely before brushing off as much as possible. For stubborn dirt stains, soak in warm water with a bit of detergent for 30 minutes before washing.
• Paint (Water-Based) – If the paint is still wet, rinse it under cold water and apply liquid detergent directly onto the stain before scrubbing. If it’s dried, gently scrape off excess paint before treating.
• Paint (Oil-Based) – Dab the stain with a small amount of white spirit or paint thinner (check your care label first), then wash immediately.
• Ink & Marker – Dab the stain with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, blotting gently with a cloth until the ink starts lifting. Rinse and wash as normal.
• Sweat & Odours – For stubborn odours, soak the item in a mix of water and white vinegar (about 240ml per 5 litres) for 30 minutes before washing.

For any stain, the golden rule is to act fast. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove. And remember—never throw stained workwear in the dryer until you’re sure the stain is gone. Heat will set stains permanently, making them much harder to deal with later.

Washing Work Clothes at Home: Best Practices

So, you’ve prepped your workwear, tackled the worst stains, and now it’s time to throw everything in the wash—right? Not so fast. Washing work clothes at home isn’t the same as washing your everyday t-shirts and jeans. Workwear is built for tough conditions, but that doesn’t mean it can handle just any wash cycle. If you want your gear to stay strong, protective, and comfortable, you need to wash it the right way.

Here’s how to get it done properly:

• Pick the Right Detergent – Standard detergent won’t cut it for heavy-duty grime. Go for a tough, industrial-strength detergent to break down dirt and oil. If your gear has flame-resistant or waterproof coatings, use a specialist detergent.
• Set the Right Temperature – While hot water helps lift stains, it can also shrink fabrics and weaken certain materials. Check the care label, but if you’re unsure, a 30–40°C wash is usually safe for most workwear.
• Keep Workwear Separate – Washing hi-vis or heavily soiled items with casual clothes can transfer dirt and grime. Keep them separate to preserve both sets.
• Choose the Right Wash Cycle – Heavy-duty fabrics can handle more powerful washes, while lightweight shirts and hi-vis gear need gentler settings.
• Ditch the Fabric Softener – It coats the fabric, reducing breathability and performance—especially for moisture-wicking or flame-resistant items.
• Don’t Overload the Machine – Workwear is bulkier than regular clothing and needs space for water and soap to circulate properly.

Following these steps will help keep your workwear fresh, functional, and ready to tackle whatever the job throws at you. The better you care for your gear, the longer it will last—and the less often you’ll have to replace it.

Looking for tips on keeping your work boots clean too? Check out our guide on how to clean work boots to make sure your entire kit stays in top condition!

And while you’re at it—did you know you might be able to claim tax back for washing your workwear at home? Regularly cleaning your uniform or work clothes could mean extra cash in your pocket. Find out more in our guide: Can I Claim Tax Back for Washing My Uniform?

The Do’s & Don'ts of Washing Workwear: Tips for Different Types

Not all workwear is made the same—some gear just needs a standard wash, while others have protective coatings, flame resistance, or high-visibility features that can be ruined if washed incorrectly. The last thing you want is for your waterproof jacket to stop repelling water or your hi-vis gear to fade into a dull mess. So, let’s break down the dos and don’ts of cleaning work clothes, making sure you’re washing your gear properly without destroying its key features.

Flame-Resistant (FR) Clothing – Don’t Mess with the Fireproofing

• DO wash FR workwear separately and use a mild detergent—harsh chemicals can weaken the fabric’s fire-resistant properties.
• DON’T use bleach, fabric softeners, or high-heat drying—these can strip away the flame resistance over time.
• DO check the care label—some FR fabrics can handle a warm wash, but others need cooler settings to maintain their protection.

Hi-Vis Workwear – Keep That Glow Going

• DO turn hi-vis clothing inside out before washing to protect reflective strips.
• DON’T wash it with heavily soiled gear—grease and dirt can cling to bright fabrics.
• DO skip fabric softener—it coats reflective elements.
• DON’T dry on high heat—this can fade colors and damage reflective tape.

 Waterproof & Chemical-Resistant Gear – Don’t Let It Lose Its Edge

• DO use cold water and a mild detergent—hot water can break down waterproof coatings.
• DON’T wring out or aggressively tumble dry—this can damage the fabric’s barrier.
• DO reapply a waterproofing treatment after several washes to restore water repellence.

Heavy-Duty Workwear – Tough, But Not Indestructible

• DO shake off excess dirt and pre-treat tough stains before washing.
• DON’T overload the washing machine—these items need space to get properly cleaned.
• DO use a heavy-duty detergent that cuts through grease without destroying fabrics.

Keeping your workwear clean isn’t just about looking good—it’s about ensuring it’s ready for whatever the job throws at you. Whether it’s shielding you from flames, keeping you visible, or battling the elements, treat it right and it’ll last longer, perform better, and protect you when it matters most.

Drying & Ironing: The Right Way to Finish the Job

So, you’ve washed your workwear like a pro, but the job’s not done yet. How you dry and iron your gear can make or break its lifespan. Get it right, and your clothes will stay comfortable, protective, and looking sharp. Get it wrong, and you might end up with shrunken shirts, faded hi-vis, or damaged fabric coatings. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.

Here’s how to dry and iron workwear the right way:

• Air Dry Whenever You Can – Heat from tumble dryers can shrink fabrics and damage protective coatings. Hang items up to dry naturally whenever possible.
• Use the Tumble Dryer Wisely – If you must use it, opt for low heat and remove clothes while slightly damp.
• Reshape Before Drying – Give gear a good shake and smooth it out to maintain its fit.
• Iron with Caution – Check your settings, especially for reflective strips or flame-resistant fabrics. A cloth over the garment or a low-heat setting is often safer.
• Use Steam Instead of Direct Heat – A garment steamer is gentler on special coatings and reflective elements.

Taking a little extra care with drying and ironing means your workwear will last longer, perform better, and keep you looking sharp on the job.

Keeping Your Workwear in Top Shape: Final Tips

By now, you’ve got a solid game plan for how to wash workwear the right way—prepping it properly, tackling stains like a pro, and making sure drying and ironing don’t ruin the protective features. But keeping your workwear in great shape doesn’t stop at the wash cycle. A few extra steps can extend its lifespan, saving you money and keeping you comfortable and protected on the job.

Final Tips for Long-Lasting Workwear

• Regularly Check for Wear & Tear – Catch small issues early before they become bigger problems.
• Store Workwear Properly – Hang items up and keep them in a cool, dry place to avoid mould and odours.
• Rotate Your Workwear – Having multiple sets means less wear on each one.
• Know When to Replace – If protective features are compromised, it’s time for new gear.

Looking for High-Quality Workwear? CTS Has You Covered

Knowing how to wash workwear and maintain it helps, but starting with high-quality gear makes all the difference. At CTS, we offer durable, professional-grade workwear designed to handle the toughest jobs. From personal protective equipment and safety footwear to custom-printed workwear, we provide solutions tailored to your industry.

Need advice on the right workwear for your team? Contact us today  today for a free consultation—we’ll help you find the best gear to keep you safe, comfortable, and looking sharp on the job.

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